Drunk Driving Surges on Uberlândia Highways During Holidays

Highway police operations in the Uberlândia region during the Christmas and New Year holidays revealed alarming increases in traffic incidents and drunk driving. The Military Highway Police (PMRv) reported nine accidents during the Christmas operation, a 20% increase from the previous year, with a staggering 113% rise in drunk driving citations totaling 66 cases.

The situation worsened during New Year's celebrations, where accidents with injuries surged by 600% compared to the previous year, resulting in one fatality. PMRv made 52 arrests for drunk driving, a 37% increase. Meanwhile, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) focused on federal highways, recording 11 accidents and over 1,000 speeding violations. The data highlights a severe public safety challenge on the roads connecting the Triângulo Mineiro region.

During the Christmas operation, the PMRv registered nine accidents on highways surrounding Uberlândia. This figure represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year. While accidents without victims remained stable at three, incidents involving injuries rose from five in 2024 to six in 2025.

Police repression regarding road crimes also saw a notable increase. Authorities recorded 14 arrests and seizures, marking a 75% rise. However, the most significant spike occurred in drunk driving enforcement:

• 66 citations for drunk driving were issued.
• This number is 113% higher than the previous year's total.

These statistics indicate a sharp escalation in drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol during the festive period.

The situation deteriorated further during the New Year's operation. The PMRv reported 10 accidents, seven of which involved victims. This represents a massive 600% increase in accidents with injuries compared to the previous year's holiday period.

Tragically, the roads also claimed one life during this period, a fatality that had not been recorded during the previous New Year's celebrations. The legal consequences for drunk driving also intensified:

• Police made 52 arrests for driving under the influence.
• This is a 37% increase over the prior year.

Furthermore, general traffic crimes jumped from two to 10 occurrences, a 400% increase. Officers issued a total of 124 citations throughout the operation.

The Federal Highway Police (PRF) conducted six days of intensive enforcement on federal highways BR-050, BR-365, and BR-153. Officers inspected more than 400 vehicles and performed 385 breathalyzer tests. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded on these federal road segments.

The PRF documented 11 accidents resulting in 14 injuries. While drunk driving was addressed, the primary focus of enforcement became speeding. Authorities issued 1,027 citations for drivers exceeding the speed limit. The PRF did not release data regarding incidents occurring on federal highways during the Christmas operation.

The combined data from the PMRv and PRF paints a concerning picture of road safety in the Triângulo Mineiro region. The statistics from both state and federal police forces highlight a distinct pattern of increased risk-taking behavior during the holiday season. The dramatic rise in drunk driving citations suggests that despite increased enforcement, many drivers continued to ignore the law.

With accidents with injuries increasing by 600% and a life lost during the New Year's period, the urgency for driver compliance with traffic laws is evident. The operations successfully identified and penalized violations, but the sheer volume of infractions—particularly speeding and intoxication—remains a critical issue for public safety officials in Uberlândia and the surrounding areas.